Ovarian stimulation during IVF helps many patients achieve their family-building goals
The Indianapolis fertility doctors at our clinic use ovarian stimulation with fertility medications for many patients undergoing IVF. These medications cause numerous eggs to mature. After the eggs mature, the doctor retrieves them and sends them to the lab. There, an embryologist fertilizes them with sperm from the patient’s partner or their chosen donor.
The appointment before beginning medications
Before the patient starts ovarian stimulation, they come to our office where we perform various tests. These tests help confirm that the patient is ready to begin fertility medications. The patient also meets with a nurse who answers any questions.
Bloodwork. We evaluate the patient’s blood to determine their hormone levels.
Ultrasound. The patient receives an ultrasound so that a fertility specialist can measure their uterine lining as well as check for follicles and potential cysts.
Mock embryo transfer. Many patients receive a mock embryo transfer that allows the doctor to determine the ideal path to the uterus and the best location to place the embryo. This process consists of the doctor passing a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus.
Instructions from a nurse. The patient meets with a nurse who reviews their ovarian stimulation plan. The nurse ensures they understand how to take their fertility medications and when to take them.
In many cases, the patient is on birth control pills for several weeks leading up to this visit with one of our Indianapolis fertility doctors.
What to expect during ovarian stimulation
After this appointment, the doctor tells the patient when to begin medications. The amount of time the patient needs to take these medications depends on how they respond to them. However, most patients take the medications for 10 to 13 days.
Taking injectable medication. The first step of the stimulation process involves taking injectable medications. These medications stimulate ovarian follicle growth and egg maturation.
Monitoring. While taking fertility medications, the patient receives frequent monitoring at our clinic. This monitoring includes vaginal ultrasounds to determine the number and size of the follicles as well as blood tests to evaluate the patient’s hormone levels.
Medication to prevent premature ovulation. When the eggs reach a certain size, the doctor tells the patient to begin taking a medication that prevents ovulation before the egg retrieval procedure.
Trigger shot. When the doctor determines that the eggs have reached the ideal size, the patient takes a trigger shot that causes the final maturation of the eggs. The doctor performs the egg retrieval procedure 35-36 hours after the patient administers the shot.
The Indianapolis fertility doctors at our clinic work with the nurses to provide patients with comprehensive care during this exciting phase of IVF. Contact us for more information about our fertility services.
